Obiano And The Changing Business Districts Of Awka

EZE EMEKA PRINCE

When Gov Obiano initiated the drive for investments in Anambra State via the popular AKULUE-UNO initiative, ndị Anambra responded in diverse ways, investing and impacting the local economy in agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, real estate, entertainment and hospitality, etc.

Located in different parts of the State, these investments aided the growth and stability of the State’s economy, created employment opportunities and impacted the socio-economic development of their host communities. However, no other location felt the impact of the AKULUE-UNO investments more than the State capital, Awka and surrounding communities.

Awka has experienced a boost in socio-economic activities under the Obiano administration. The once sleepy town has woken to multifarious economic development, driving changes in the skylines of the Smith city and upgrading its business districts. The popular Club road, formerly Abakaliki road until it was renamed by Gov Obiano, bears glittering testimonials to this.

Once an ordinary pathway, bearing no hope for development, Club road received Obiano’s magical touch and transformed into a multi-dimensional business district. When Gov Obiano renamed the road, a section of the public criticized the move, obviously missing the vision behind the strategic change. Yet Obiano stands vindicated as Club road has become easily one of the busiest business districts in Awka, attracting major investments in entertainment, hospitality, real estate and commerce.

This, as well as other investments, situated in other parts of Awka, couldn’t have been achieved without the strategic policies of the Obiano administration which include security, road construction, street lighting that lengthened business hour and encouraged robust night economy among others.

The ease of doing business introduced by Gov Obiano through the Anambra State Investment Protection and Promotion Agency, ANSIPPA aided investors to manage time and resources adequately while the support and financing of SMEs gained through the Anambra State Small Business Agency, ASBA, stimulated businesses and supported emerging entrepreneurs.

A recent account of the shopping experience of an Awka resident, Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, a legal practitioner and politician, bears more testimony to the positive changes of Awka’s business districts. According to him, “I visited three shopping malls in Awka namely; The new RADOPIN supermarket close to Akwata flyover, the new EVERYDAY supermarket next to TRACAS office in Awka and ROBAN supermarket next to Central Bank, Awka. These malls were not in existence a year ago in Awka. New Radopin and EVERYDAY Supermarkets started operations in December 2021”.

Other residents of Awka testify to their experiences at the Bon Hotel, a sprawling architectural beauty with a serene environment and the newly opened Ibiza club, both located on the lively Club road and the attractive offerings of the many pubs, eateries, parlours and shops showcasing multiple services and wares. To Chief Uche Nworah, a media guru and the MD/CEO of ABS Radio/TV, “the Bon hotel, Awka is a lovely place to lodge in and relax with family and friends. It has redefined and set the pace for hospitality business in Awka”.

Of particular interest, noted Vivian Ekwensi, a media personality and socialite are popular restaurant and confectionery brands like Fro Resto, Stanel/Fast Chow and Dominos NG which are enjoying great patronage in Awka. “I have also observed that cottage industries, ICT, logistics and service delivery hubs are springing up in various locations of Awka engaging the youths and creating amazing jobs”, she enthused.

Added to all these, is the emerging and lucrative real estate business which is changing the skylines of Awka and expanding the horizon of the Smith city. Leading the pack in this regard is the Awka Millenium City, a massive and modern estate development jointly owned by MP Infrastructure Ltd and Anambra State Government.

Complemented by the Anambra Airport, the International Convention Centre, the Awka City Stadium and the exquisite Golden Tulip-Agulu Lake hotel, these excellent testimonials represent in every essence Obiano’s impact on the changing business districts of Awka.